C’est magnifique – 3 Kameko Stakes winners in 9 days

Tweenhills stallion Kameko has been on some run of late, siring 3 Stakes winners in 9 days, all in France courtesy of Listed winner Mirik, Gr.3 winner Wimbledon Hawkeye and Defiantly, who won today’s Gr.2 Prix Kergolay and looks a key contender for the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup. 

Defiantly was bred by Qatar Racing, raised at Tweenhills and picked up for just 41,000gns by David Redvers and trainer Joseph O’Brien at the 2024 Tattersalls Online August Sale before being sold to his current connections.

For his new owner, Australia Bloodstock Two, Defiantly has finished a head 2^nd in the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot and won both the Coral Goodwood Handicap at the Qatar Festival and now the Gr.2 Prix Kergorlay on an outstanding card at Deauville. 

Defiantly clearly relishes a test of stamina and is improving at a rate of knots – with his 5½-length Kergorlay win, Defiantly booked a ballot-exempt place in the 2026 Gr.1 Melbourne Cup! Incredibly, his dam Roheryn is not only the sire of Australia Gr.1 winner Buckaroo but also Middle Earth, who finished 3^rd in last year’s Melbourne Cup.

Joseph O’Brien told the press: “He's obviously a horse that's progressing well and I thought that was another step forward today. 

“I thought he got a lovely ride from Dylan [Browne McMonagle] and he's a stayer going the right way.”

“I think if he pulls up okay from the race and everything's going well, he'd be an obvious candidate for Melbourne. Speaking with Jamie [Lovett of Australian Bloodstock], this is a good trial for the Melbourne Cup so we said we might as well come here and see if it's realistic. I think he's answered the question."

Defiantly’s victory came hot on the hooves of Kameko 3yo Mirik winning the Listed Grand Prix de Clairefontaine and the ever-reliable Wimbledon Hawkeye adding to his illustrious CV in taking the Gr.3 Prix Gontaut-Biron for new connections.

Breeders looking to use Kameko in 2027 are advised to book early!